Alan Chartock - Corruption in the New York State Legislature

Just two days after State Senator Malcolm Smith of New York City was charged with bribery, another state lawmaker is facing the same charge in an un-related case.

Democratic Assemblyman Eric Stevenson of the Bronx, whose grandfather served in the legislature, is charged with four others, accused of taking bribes in exchange for producing legislation that would benefit the business of one of his co-defendants. Prosecutors say another member of the assembly was named in a sealed indictment, and has cooperated in the investigation. Nelson Castro of the Bronx has resigned from office.

WAMC'S political observer Dr. Alan Chartock says this type of scandal often comes from downstate because the population density gives lawmakers a certain anonymity. He spoke with WAMC's Brian Shields.

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Yesterday’s events in New York will surely go down as yet another marker in the state’s history of political corruption as six officials, including former New York State Senate Majority Leader, State Senator Malcolm Smith, are now facing federal charges.

Today we want your take on the so-called culture of corruption that seems to pervade many areas of public service and elected office. Does power corrupt those who have it? WAMC's Alan Chartock hosts.

New York State Senator Malcolm Smith is among six people arrested for allegedly trying to rig the Republican race for mayor of New York City. Smith, from Queens, and New York City Councilman Dan Halloran, were arrested by the F.B.I. this morning.

Two days after a New York state Senator was arrested for trying to bribe his way onto the New York City mayoral ballot, a state Assemblyman has been accused of accepting payments to sponsor legislation that would benefit developers of an adult day care center in the Bronx.

Government reform groups say New York’s politicians need to enact public financing of campaigns, one day after a State Senator was arrested for allegedly trying to bribe his way onto the ballot for the New York City mayor’s race.